Description:
The Petworx WXF External Canister Filters are designed to provide powerful, multi-stage filtration while keeping the equipment outside the aquarium. By moving the filter into the cabinet or beside the tank, you get more filtration capacity without taking up valuable space inside the aquarium.
Water is drawn from the aquarium through the inlet, passed through multiple stages of filter media, and then returned to the tank through the outlet. The combination of mechanical, biological and chemical filtration helps remove suspended waste, provide a large surface area for beneficial bacteria, and improve overall water clarity.
The external canister design also gives you the flexibility to customise the filtration media to suit your aquarium. Mechanical media can be used to capture waste and particles, while ceramic or other biological media provides space for beneficial bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle. Chemical media such as activated carbon can also be used when additional water polishing is required.
The WXF range features high flow rates, making these filters well suited to larger aquariums, heavier stocking levels and setups that require more water movement. The filters are designed with easy setup and maintenance in mind, with self-priming operation, quick-release connections and accessible filter media.
The WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV models also include a built-in 9W UV steriliser. UV filtration works by exposing water passing through the UV chamber to ultraviolet light, helping to control free-floating algae and microorganisms and making it particularly useful when water clarity is a priority.
With their external design, strong flow rates and multi-stage filtration, the WXF range is a practical option for aquarists who want more filtration capacity without filling the aquarium with equipment.
A product of Petworx, an Australian company established in 1980.
Suitable for freshwater and marine aquariums, with models available for medium to large aquarium setups.
Available Models:
- WXF-1200: 25W – 1200L/H – Suitable for aquariums up to 300L
- WXF-1800UV: 35W Pump + 9W UV – 1800L/H – Suitable for aquariums up to 600L
- WXF-2200UV: 45W Pump + 9W UV – 2200L/H – Suitable for aquariums up to 700L
Product Features:
- External canister design keeps the majority of the filtration equipment outside the aquarium for a cleaner-looking setup
- Provides mechanical, biological and chemical filtration to help remove waste, support beneficial bacteria and improve water clarity
- High flow rates provide strong water turnover for medium to large aquariums and higher bioload setups
- Multiple stages of filter media allow you to customise the filtration to suit the needs of your aquarium
- Self-priming design makes setup and starting the filter easier
- Quick-release connections make filter servicing and maintenance more convenient
- Adjustable flow allows the water output to be reduced when required for more delicate fish and plants
- Spray bar outlet helps distribute returned water more evenly throughout the aquarium
- Large filter media capacity provides plenty of space for mechanical, biological and chemical media
- Biological filtration provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle
- Customisable filtration allows media to be changed as your aquarium's requirements develop
- Integrated 9W UV steriliser included with the WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV models
- UV filtration helps control free-floating algae and microorganisms as water passes through the UV chamber
- Suitable for freshwater and marine aquariums
- Manufactured by Pet Worx, an Australian company established in 1980
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Pet Worx
- Product Type: External Canister Filter
- Filtration: Mechanical, Biological and Chemical
- Priming: Self-Priming / Easy-Start Function
- Flow Control: Adjustable
- Suitable Water: Freshwater and Marine
Model Specifications:
- WXF-1200: 1200L/H Flow Rate, 25W Pump, No UV, approximately 43 × 22 × 22cm including top tap assembly, suitable for aquariums up to 300L
- WXF-1800UV: 1800L/H Flow Rate, 35W Pump + 9W UV, approximately 43 × 28 × 28cm, suitable for aquariums up to 600L
- WXF-2200UV: 2200L/H Flow Rate, 45W Pump + 9W UV, approximately 43 × 28 × 28cm, suitable for aquariums up to 700L
UV Filtration:
- WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV: Include an integrated 9W UV steriliser
- UV Function: Helps control free-floating algae and microorganisms as water passes through the UV chamber
- UV Use: Particularly useful for green water and when additional water clarity is desired
- Important: UV filtration is an additional filtration method and does not replace regular water changes, mechanical filtration or proper aquarium maintenance
Items Included:
- 1 x Pet Worx WXF External Canister Filter (Selected Model)
- Inlet and Outlet Hoses
- Quick-Release / Shut-Off Fittings
- Spray Bar and Outlet Fittings
- Filter Media
- UV Components (WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV only)
Note: Exact filter media and included fittings may vary slightly between models.
Pet Worx – WXF Canister Filter
Pet Worx – WXF Canister Filter
Low stock: 1 left
Everything about shipping, specifications and warranties is just below.
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
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Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
💡 Unsure which product is right for your tank? Visit our Education section or Blogs for help choosing the best equipment.
🐟 Beginners can start with: How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenance & Care for ongoing tank tips!
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How The WXF Canister Filter Compares
💪 Pet Worx WXF External Canister Filter
- 🏠More Filtration Without Filling the Tank: The external canister design keeps the majority of the filtration equipment outside the aquarium, giving you more filtration capacity while keeping the display cleaner and less cluttered.
- 🧺Large, Customisable Media Capacity: Multiple stages provide space for mechanical, biological and chemical media, allowing you to tailor the filtration to your aquarium and change the media as your setup develops.
- 💧High Water Turnover: With flow rates from 1200L/H to 2200L/H, the WXF range provides strong water movement for medium to large aquariums and setups with higher bioloads.
- 🦠Built for Biological Filtration: The available media space provides plenty of room for biological media, giving beneficial bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle a large surface area to colonise.
- ✨UV Available: The WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV include an integrated 9W UV steriliser that can help control free-floating algae and microorganisms while supporting clearer-looking aquarium water.
❌ Basic Internal Filter
- 🐟Equipment Inside the Aquarium: Internal filters occupy valuable aquarium space and place the pump and filter housing directly in the display, which can make larger setups look more cluttered.
- 📦More Limited Media Space: Compact internal filters generally have less room for filter media, giving you fewer options to combine and customise mechanical, biological and chemical filtration.
- 🌊Lower Capacity for Larger Setups: Smaller internal filters are often better suited to modest aquarium volumes and lighter stocking, rather than the higher filtration demands of larger or heavily stocked aquariums.
- 🧫Less Room for Biological Media: A smaller filter chamber can limit how much dedicated biological media can be used, reducing the available space for beneficial bacteria to colonise.
- 💡UV Usually Not Included: Standard internal filtration does not typically provide integrated UV filtration, meaning additional equipment may be required when UV treatment is desired.
External canister filters are one of the best ways to increase filtration capacity without filling the aquarium with equipment. We stock the Pet Worx WXF range because it gives aquarists the combination of strong flow, generous media capacity, and customisable filtration that's needed for larger tanks, heavier stocking levels, and more demanding setups.
The large media capacity is a major advantage. You can run mechanical media to capture waste, biological media to provide a large home for beneficial bacteria, and chemical media when additional water polishing is needed. Being able to customise the media also means the filter can adapt as your aquarium and its requirements change.
The WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV models take things a step further with an integrated 9W UV steriliser, which can be particularly useful for aquarists dealing with green water or looking for additional control of free-floating microorganisms. We also like the practical features such as self-priming, quick-release connections, adjustable flow, and the spray bar outlet, which make a high-capacity canister more approachable for everyday aquarium keeping.
Pet Worx has been established in Australia since 1980, and we stock the range because we want our customers to have access to filtration from an established brand when their fish are relying on that equipment to run continuously.
Always unplug the canister filter before performing maintenance, disconnecting hoses, or removing the filter from its cabinet. Never allow the filter to run dry, as the pump can be damaged if it operates without water.
Clean mechanical filter media when it becomes visibly dirty or when you notice a noticeable reduction in flow. Rinse biological media in old tank water removed during a water change rather than tap water, as chlorine and chloramines can damage the beneficial bacteria colony. Avoid replacing or thoroughly cleaning all biological media at once, as this can remove a large portion of your established bacteria and disrupt your nitrogen cycle.
Inspect the impeller and impeller housing periodically and remove any debris, algae, or calcium build-up that may restrict the impeller or cause increased operating noise. Check the impeller shaft and surrounding components for signs of wear before reassembling.
Check the inlet strainer, hoses, spray bar, and other water flow components regularly for blockages. These areas can accumulate debris and algae over time, reducing circulation even when the filter media itself is clean. Clean or rinse them as required to maintain good flow.
Inspect the canister's seals, O-rings, hose connections, and quick-release fittings during maintenance. If you notice water around the filter or connections, switch the filter off immediately and identify the source before continuing operation. Keep the canister positioned securely and ensure the hoses are not sharply kinked or crushed.
For the WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV models, clean and inspect the UV chamber periodically according to the manufacturer's maintenance requirements. The UV bulb's effectiveness decreases over time even when the bulb still appears to be working, so replace the UV lamp when required. Never look directly at an operating UV-C lamp, as UV-C radiation can damage your eyes and skin.
When using chemical media such as activated carbon, replace it according to the media manufacturer's recommended replacement period or when its effectiveness has been exhausted. Do not rely on chemical media as a substitute for regular water changes and proper mechanical and biological filtration.
After servicing the filter, make sure the canister is properly filled and primed before switching it back on. Check all connections carefully for leaks and confirm that water is flowing normally before leaving the filter unattended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which WXF model is right for my aquarium?
The WXF-1200 is suitable for aquariums up to 300L, the WXF-1800UV is suitable for aquariums up to 600L, and the WXF-2200UV is suitable for aquariums up to 700L. When choosing a canister filter, consider your aquarium size, stocking level, and desired water movement. Heavily stocked aquariums may benefit from choosing a larger model for additional filtration capacity.
What type of filtration does the WXF canister filter provide?
The WXF range provides mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. Mechanical media captures suspended waste and particles, biological media provides surface area for beneficial bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle, and chemical media such as activated carbon can be used when additional water polishing is required.
Can I customise the filter media?
Yes. One of the advantages of an external canister filter is the ability to customise the media to suit your aquarium. You can use different combinations of mechanical, biological, and chemical media depending on your stocking levels, water quality, and filtration requirements.
Do I need to use activated carbon?
No. Activated carbon is an optional form of chemical filtration and is not required for everyday aquarium filtration. Mechanical and biological filtration should form the foundation of your filter, while activated carbon can be added when you want additional water polishing or to remove certain dissolved substances.
What is the UV steriliser used for?
The WXF-1800UV and WXF-2200UV models include a built-in 9W UV steriliser. UV filtration exposes water passing through the UV chamber to ultraviolet light, which helps control free-floating algae and microorganisms. It can be particularly useful for improving water clarity and managing green water.
Does the UV steriliser replace normal filtration or water changes?
No. UV filtration is an additional filtration method and should not be used as a replacement for mechanical filtration, biological filtration, regular water changes, or other routine aquarium maintenance. The UV unit works on the water passing through the chamber, while your main filtration system continues to remove waste and support beneficial bacteria.
Can I adjust the flow rate?
Yes. The WXF range features adjustable flow control, allowing you to reduce the water output when required. This can be useful when keeping fish or plants that prefer gentler water movement, while still allowing you to run higher flow when additional circulation is desired.
Is the WXF suitable for marine aquariums?
Yes. The WXF range is suitable for both freshwater and marine aquariums. The external canister design provides a large amount of filtration capacity while keeping most of the equipment outside the aquarium, making it a versatile option for a range of aquarium setups.
How difficult is the WXF canister filter to set up?
The WXF range features a self-priming design to make starting the filter easier, along with quick-release connections for more convenient installation and servicing. Position the canister securely below the aquarium, connect the inlet and outlet hoses, install your chosen filter media, and follow the included instructions for priming and starting the filter.
How often should I clean my canister filter?
Cleaning frequency depends on your aquarium's stocking level, feeding habits, and how quickly the mechanical media becomes clogged. Check the filter when you notice a reduction in flow and clean the mechanical media as required. When cleaning biological media, rinse it gently in removed aquarium water rather than untreated tap water to help preserve the beneficial bacteria living on the media.
Read our beginner's guide to aquarium filtration to find the right fit.
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